RIDER INTERVIEW
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The former Moto2™ and Moto3™ World Champion had enjoyed nine top ten finishes from the first eleven rounds , including a memorable third place in Germany , where he shared the podium with brother Marc .
To take that next step , though , the 28-year old is keen to add a little more consistency to his game . “ I mean , I ’ m quite happy because we showed the speed many times ,” he said in Germany . “ We need to find a little more consistency because in some different situations , I don ’ t know why with this bike , I ’ m struggling more than normal .
“ So , we need to find that small step that we are missing to be always there because when we have new tyre or when we need to go for a lap time , we can do it . But later on in races we struggle a little bit more .”
Marquez was delighted to extend his deal with Gresini Ducati for two further seasons in 2025 and 2026 , and credits Team Owner Nadia Padovani with “ saving my career .” “ I ( was ) so happy to renew my contract for 2 years ,” he said . “ I had in my head this plan because they saved my career in MotoGP two years ago . I feel really comfortable in this team , really appreciate it and with Nadia and everyone , we have a really good relationship .
“ It was clear for me after the fourth race that my main target my main goal was to continue here . We have it , and now we know where we need to arrive . We are struggling a little bit more this year . But I think with small changes and if we keep working like that the results that I think we need to achieve will arrive .”
The younger Marquez brother has been unable to live with the speed of Ducati runners Pecco Bagnaia , Jorge Martin and Enea Bastianini in recent rounds . Such is the strength of their GP24 compared to his year old GP23 , he is hopeful Ducati doesn ’ t make similar gains over the winter .
“ You know , it ’ s the first year that we saw a step like this , from the old bike to the new one . So we hope that maybe ( Gigi ) Dall ’ Igna ( Ducati Corse General Manager ) takes some holidays now until the end of the season ! And that they don ’ t improve a lot and we can be closer next year and be more equal like last year . You know that with the 22 bike , ( Marco ) Bezzecchi was able to win races ( in 2023 ).”
Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini | 59